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Adventure awaits around every corner at Santeetlah Lakeside, from kayaking to camping and every memory-making moment in between. While our lakeside retreat is known for its serenity, the tranquil atmosphere certainly doesn’t mean a lack of activities for the kids and grandkids. It’s the perfect place for the whole family to disconnect from tech and stress, and reconnect with each other and the beauty of nature.
Here are our favorite family-friendly ways to soak up summer at our lakeside mountain retreat.
1. Go fishing with the whole family.
Little ones love fishing at our pristine lakeside hideaway. Pack a picnic and fish right from the majestic shoreline, your dock, or a pontoon boat. Best of all, our protected shores mean ultimate tranquility and views that only change as the surroundings evolve naturally. Your family fishing trip is sure to make memories that last far beyond the summer.
2. Sleep under the stars.
With 37 boat-accessible camping sites around Lake Santeetlah, there’s no shortage of gorgeous spots for your family to experience the great outdoors together. Get the kids involved in prepping for your outdoor adventure, from organizing gear to packing meals for a fun group activity. They’ll love the exciting boat ride to your campsite and the feeling of discovering a “secret” spot all their own. From bird watching to fishing to hiking and so much more, the camping activities around the lake are endless.
3. Make a splash on the lake.
Spend a day on the water and experience what truly feels like your very own private lake. Rent paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, and more from local Santeetlah Marina and soak up the summer sun in style. Amp up the adventure and ride the waves when you and the kids give wakesurfing or water skiing a try! Best of all, you’ll have the flexibility of docking from your very own private dock from your lakeside home, or right from the community dock at our exclusive onsite condos. Be sure to bring plenty of swimming accessories including floaties, lifejackets, and water toys for the kids to enjoy.
4. Explore the surrounding area.
Beyond the area’s beautiful natural amenities lie an array of entertainment options perfect for kids of all ages. Less than a half hour drive from Santeetlah Lakeside is the Southeast’s leader in outdoor adventures, Nantahala Outdoor Center. Enjoy family-friendly whitewater rafting adventures, adrenaline-packed zip lining, or opt for a relaxing tubing trip. With more than 100 itineraries that you can customize, planning a kid-friendly day of fun is simple and stress-free.
Just about an 8-mile drive from Santeetlah Lakeside is access to the famed Appalachian Trail. Plan an unforgettable day hike and let the kids get all of that summer energy out in a fun and healthy way.
Less than an hour drive from our community sits the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A day trip to this renowned destination means an abundance of hiking, biking, waterfalls, and fishing fun for the whole family.
With even more local thrills like mountain biking at Tsali Recreational Area just a 30-minute drive away, you’ll discover some of the best biking in the Eastern United States featuring challenging cliff trails right along Lake Fontana. Plus, with gem mining, wildflower hunting, horseback riding, and so much more in the nearby area, there’s something for everyone at our serene lakeside escape.
Come see why Lake Santeetlah is often called one of the most beautiful lakes in the country. With exclusive lakefront homes for sale, plus an array of natural amenities, it’s time to discover everything that Santeetlah Lakeside has to offer your family — this summer and beyond.
